The safety of students and faculty members at Pierce College continues to be a high priority for the Sheriff’s Department.
Held on Zoom Thursday afternoon, the Pierce College Council discussed active shooter training, a key event that is coming up.
Vice President of Administrative Services Rolf Schleicher mentioned that although space is limited, this won’t be the last training of its kind.
“There are only so many spots available the first time,” Schleicher said. “We’re trying to get a couple of key individuals, by a couple I mean over 40 people that are going to be twofold, building monitors and then triage runners for earthquakes, things of that nature, with backpacks and all other equipment they need to have.”
By hosting training sessions like this, Pierce will promote better safety measures while educating people on what to do in certain dangerous instances. This is why the event will happen again in the future.
“When it comes to active shooter training, we’d really like to get those folks in there,” Schleicher said. “They’re going to get first slotting and then we’ll have about 75 slots in total the first time around. The rest will probably go primarily this time to faculty and students.”
The first active shooter training event will take place on May 11 at 2 p.m. in Building 600.
Deputy Isaac Jorge from the Sheriff’s Department reported an increase in crime on campus.
“We got hit for a catalytic converter in lot seven,” Jorge said. “Plain day, five o’clock, in the staff parking lot. It was a quick, in and out. From our experience, which we hate to say when they hit a place, they usually come and hit it back.”
Jorge said that if anybody sees a car hood open, or someone jacking up a car, they should call the Sheriff right away.
“We actually have active patrol right now,” Jorge said. “The car that got hit was a Prius which is the number one stolen car right now, so we have our eyes on those especially. If you see something, please call us. Lock your doors, lock your car. Don’t leave your laptop, don’t leave backpacks because those are crime opportunities that we’re just trying to avoid.”
Industrial Tech Instructor Alex Villalta expressed his gratitude towards the Sheriff’s Department for their continuous support and protection on campus.
“I would like to thank the Sheriff’s office,” Villalta said. “When we were preparing for today’s event, the fire alarm went off. We thought that the Fire Department was going to show up but they didn’t. The Sheriff’s did show up within seconds and they were able to take control of the situation. Thank you for your support, thank you for being here and for your extra patrolling.”
The next Pierce College Council meeting will take place on May 25 at 2 p.m.
